No.1
| HOUSE OF THE MONTH |
Michael and Olivia Costello’s 18th-century Georgian townhouse by the sea has been renovated with a nod to nostalgia and some charismatic contemporary twists
Whether it’s admiring the sunrise through the Georgian windows, drinking their morning tea on the beach or enjoying fish and chips by the woodburner in winter, Michael and Olivia Costello are embracing life just a stone’s throw from the seafront. A lengthy search eventually led to the purchase of a four-storey, listed townhouse in a sought-after location with exceptional sea views.
‘My childhood memories are here as my grandmother lived here and it’s where my parents met,’ says Michael, owner of an advertising agency, whose wife Olivia is a travel writer. ‘I’ve always loved the houses on the seafront and even though the town has been through a regeneration, it’s managed to keep the atmosphere of an old seaside town.’
The house was in good repair when the couple bought it, but their plan was to create a more colourful, vibrant home filled with treasures from their travels and art. Under the guidance of interior designer Susan Venn of Susan Venn Design, the work took a year to complete and has resulted in a refined decor with modern twists, always maximising the views.
‘Our brief was no seagulls or seashells, but we did want the house to feel aligned with the setting,’ says Michael. ‘As the Kent coastline is a muted greeny/blue hue, Susan suggested working with that colour combination as our backdrop. The main bedroom has uninterrupted views of the sea, so we used a tactile, natural grass wallpaper as it blends with the outdoors.’
Downstairs in the sitting room, art of the local coastline was the starting point for the scheme. Fabrics take their lead from the bold canvas, and modern lighting and accessories add a contemporary edge. ‘The colours work well together and we love the slightly old-school style but with the occasional modern disruption,’ says Michael. ‘The hallway has a similar feel with an unusual, wallpapered ceiling in a botanical print to catch the eye through the glass pane above the door. It’s a unique entrance and looks intriguing as you walk past.’
The dining area, with a blue banquette,
